It’s only day two of the new year. How are those resolutions holding up?

Every January, many of us recommit to eating better, exercising more, or finally getting our finances on track. And yet, most resolutions fade long before winter does. The issue usually isn’t a lack of desire—it’s a lack of accountability and perspective.

That’s especially true when it comes to budgeting. Managing money well requires more than good intentions. It requires clarity about why we’re doing it and a system that supports us day by day.

To explore that idea, we sat down with Chad Clark, Chief Technology Officer at FaithFi, to discuss what actually helps people follow through on their financial goals.

Why Budgeting Often Feels Like a Diet

Chad shared an observation from years of building budgeting tools: many people view a budget the same way they view a diet. They know it’s necessary, but it feels restrictive, temporary, and easy to abandon when life gets busy.

The problem usually isn’t the budget itself. It’s the missing “why.”

You may know what you want to do—get out of debt, save more, or give generously—but without a compelling reason behind it, the motivation fades quickly. Sustainable habits require more than goals; they need purpose.

For believers, Scripture gives us a clear foundation for our financial “why.” Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” God owns it all. We don’t.

That truth reshapes budgeting entirely. If God is the owner, then our role is stewardship—managing what He has entrusted to us for His purposes.

But Chad introduced an important distinction: how we view God as owner matters just as much as recognizing His ownership.

Passive Owner vs. Active Owner

Chad used a helpful analogy. Imagine managing a coffee shop for someone else.

A passive owner hands you the keys, says, “Good luck,” and disappears. You make every decision on your own, unsure what the owner really wants.

An active owner, on the other hand, says, “Call me anytime. I’m here to help.” That owner stays engaged, offers guidance, and shares responsibility.

Many of us unknowingly treat God like a passive owner—assuming He’s uninvolved in our day-to-day money decisions. But Scripture paints a different picture. God desires to be an active owner, guiding us through the Holy Spirit as we seek wisdom and direction.

That realization lifts a heavy burden. We’re not meant to figure it all out on our own.

When we see God as an active owner, budgeting stops being a rigid rulebook and becomes a practical tool for faithful stewardship.

A budget isn’t the goal—it’s the means. It helps us manage the King’s resources wisely, align our spending with our values, and make intentional decisions rather than reactive ones.

Without this perspective, budgeting can feel overwhelming or pointless. With it, budgeting becomes an act of faithfulness.

Why Systems Matter More Than Willpower

Another key insight Chad shared: budgeting isn’t about finding the perfect method—it’s about having a system.

People manage money differently. Some thrive with detailed categories. Others prefer broader guardrails. The important thing is consistency, not complexity.

That’s why the FaithFi app was designed with multiple budgeting systems, including a digital version of the classic envelope method many longtime listeners recognize. The goal isn’t to force everyone into the same mold, but to help each person find a system that fits their habits and personality.

Over time, that system becomes part of daily life—like your morning cup of coffee. When you’re not checking in with it, you can feel that something’s off.

Budgeting Together as a Couple

Chad also shared how using a budgeting tool transformed his own marriage. Early on, money was their most significant source of conflict—even though he considered himself “the finance guy.”

Once they started using a shared system, the conversation changed. Instead of arguing, they could see the same information, talk openly, and make decisions together. Budgeting became a way to pursue unity, not tension.

For couples, shared visibility and accountability can be a powerful gift.

If You’ve Tried Before and Given Up

If budgeting feels exhausting—or if you’ve tried and failed before—Chad’s encouragement was simple: don’t give up.

Often, past frustration stems from using tools that were too rigid or didn’t align with how you’re wired. With the right system, guidance, and support, budgeting can become sustainable—and even freeing.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get your finances back on track, remember this: lasting change starts with perspective, not pressure.

When you begin with God as the active owner and see budgeting as a tool for stewardship, everything changes. And with the right system in place, you don’t have to walk that road alone.

You can learn more or download the FaithFi app at FaithFi.com and take a meaningful step toward wise, faithful money management in the year ahead.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I’m 46 and plan to retire at 70. My employer's 401(k) plan is in a target-date fund, and I’m contributing more than necessary—about 160% of my goal. Should I scale back to just the employer match and direct the extra savings to an IRA? I also have an HSA and currently split contributions between a traditional and a Roth 401(k).
I help manage finances for a church and want to know: how much should churches and nonprofits typically keep in reserves for ongoing operations?

Resources Mentioned:

Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
Church Cash Reserves - How Much Is Enough? By Dan Busby and Michael Martin (ECFA Article)
Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)
FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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